PAULA FRENCH

French brought to Sycamore her compassion, enthusiasm, and years of “seen-itall” experiences.

After 40 years in classroom, she is headed to retirement in Florida WRAPS UP HER TEACHING CAREER WITH A NOTE OF THANKFULNESS

As she wrapped up her 40th year of teaching, Sycamore’s Paula French retires from her classroom—the gym—and make a new home in the small town of Mount Dora, Florida about 40 minutes northwest of Orlando. Before she heads south, we wanted to catch up with her and get her perspective on her seven years at the school, how it was different from her many years as a public school teacher, and what she will remember most about being a teacher at Sycamore. After 27 years as a Physical Education and Health teacher at Greencastle High School and another four years at Southmont Junior and Senior High School near Crawfordsville, French had been teaching Human Growth and Development to K-8 Grade students through the Social Health Association of Indiana when a former Sycamore parent and a co-worker, Shelley Ross, inquired whether French might be interested in getting back into the classroom. “Shelley knew I had been a PE and Health teacher before teaching with her. Shelley also knew that Sycamore was looking to hire a PE teacher and told me about the position. I applied, was interviewed on a Wednesday, hired on Friday, and started the following Monday at the beginning of Staff Week! Talk about a whirlwind,” she says. French concedes she had given up any hope that she would be able to teach in a school again. “I was so thrilled that Sycamore School hired me to teach both Early

Childhood and Middle School PE classes. With 33 years of teaching experience and my Master’s, I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to teach within a school system again.” She brought with her not only a teaching background but also a successful record as a coach. French coached volleyball, basketball, softball, track & field, and golf while at Southmont Jr./Sr. High School. Her volleyball team won two Sectionals and a Regional in her three years at the helm of that program, including a 27-3 record when they won the Regional title. Of the differences between her other stops and Sycamore, French says the respect for her experience and the trust from the leadership were two of the best things about being at the school. “It’s like night and day (at Sycamore) from teaching in public schools for 31 years,” she says. “It’s so nice as a teacher not to be micromanaged. At Sycamore, I’ve always been treated as a professional. It is so motivating. We are always encouraged to try new ideas and activities in our classrooms.” She also says the parents are a key part of the culture at Sycamore. “Our parents are so supportive and engaged in their children’s education. I appreciate how parents are willing to help anytime they are needed. Their support has been overwhelming to me.” As for the students, she loves the talent they exhibit, both in the PE arena and in other classes. “When I see a performance, watch a competition, or walk the halls looking at all their amazing projects covering the walls, I forget that these aren’t high school students. It’s inspiring to see all the amazing gifts these students are going to be offering to our world.” “A great part of Sycamore is that everyone is willing to help each other in their time of need whether it’s someone needing to borrow 20 clipboards, to bring in cardboard for the Innovation Lab, or helping if a personal crisis arises. I will always be forever grateful for everyone who has helped to lighten my load.” Paula’s destination is a town that she calls a “mom and pop town with many shops and eateries, but no franchises” and says it is only two hours from the ocean. Though she is retiring from teaching, French says she is not done working. “I would enjoy working with animals in some way, maybe being a dog walker or sitter, or working with therapy animals.” “As I think about this new season of my life, I am very excited for all the new possibilities,” she says, before reflecting on her time at Sycamore. “Not only have I made new professional relationships with Sycamore staff, I have made friendships as well. I am truly humbled by all my blessings over my tenure at Sycamore. It has been a true blessing to be here.” •

Q&A WITH DORIS FULWIDER

HOW HAS SYCAMORE CHANGED IN YOUR TIME HERE?

One thought that bubbles up through reflection is the growth that Sycamore’s Lower School math program has made. Every year I am more and more in awe of how our students are able to make sense of the math they are doing and how much they love doing it!

WHERE WERE YOU TEACHING BEFORE YOU WERE AT SYCAMORE? WHY DID YOU MAKE A CHANGE TO COME HERE?

I taught first and second grade in Crawfordsville’s Accelerated and Enriched program and loved it there. I took a few years off to homeschool my daughter because she was diving full-time at the National Training Center downtown. When I was ready to return to teaching, I knew about Sycamore and saw that there was an opening. I applied and had an interview with Glenna Lykens. We connected immediately. For the next interview round, I came back to Sycamore and “tried out” for the position by teaching a lesson to a class of second graders. We solved some challenging area puzzles together. The kids were so engaged, and I had an absolute blast! It was then that I knew Sycamore was the right place for me!

WHAT MAKES SYCAMORE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS?

The two things that I think set Sycamore apart from other schools is first the genuine sense of community— family, really—and the fact that we all share the same mission—to inspire our gifted learners.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT TEACHING AT SYCAMORE?

What I will miss most about Sycamore is the relationships I have developed with my students and their families. Knowing and working closely with all of them has made me a better teacher and a better person.